69 Gurkha Field Squadron, recently deployed on Exercise AUSTERE SHIELD 2025 to Latvia, as the lead field squadron within the Theatre Enabling Group. This deployment formed part of a wider commitment involving force elements from 8 Engineer Brigade, operating alongside 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade, to test and validate the capabilities of the Theatre Enabling Group in a challenging and austere environment.
The exercise commenced with an extensive preparation, including final readiness checks and equipment loading at Invicta Park Barracks. Vehicles and equipment were subsequently deployed via Marchwood Military Port, while personnel transited through Brize Norton, with the main body arriving in Latvia on 29 October 2025. Upon arrival, personnel conducted reception, staging, onward movement, and integration activities at Ventspils Port in Northern Latvia, before integrating with other units from 8 Engineer Brigade and 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade. Sub-units then deployed to designated areas across Western Latvia to undertake a variety of enabling tasks over a three-week period.
The Squadron were tasked with a range of enabling activities, primarily focused on mobility and survivability. The key tasks completed included:
- Extensive route reconnaissance of designated Main Supply Routes.
- A complex route upgrade.
- The construction of a Logistic Support Bridge A counter-mobility support task.
- Deployment of the Combat Water Supply System.
The water supply task, saw the inaugural use of the Containerised Combat Water Supply System on an overseas exercise. The Squadron placed significant emphasis on enhancing its own survivability, including camouflage, concealment, deception, and dispersion principles. The Squadron also deployed Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems, equipped with thermal imaging, to assess thermal signatures and innovatively utilised in-service equipment to reduce detection risks.
The deployment coincided with Dashain, and the occasion was observed with a Tika ceremony led by Captain Narendradhoj Gurung (Squadron Second-in-Command), followed by a traditional Gurkha curry, fostering morale and cultural cohesion.
The exercise concluded with a structured recovery phase, focusing on the redeployment of vehicles, equipment, and personnel back to the UK. The Squadron returned from the Exercise having completed valuable training and identified key lessons for future operations.
